Intravascular catheter having an expandable incising portion and medication delivery system

ABSTRACT

An intravascular catheter device includes an expandable portion with a plurality of struts operable between a closed position where the expandable portion has a first diameter, and an opened position where the expandable portion has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. An incising element is provided on and extends from the outward facing surface of a particular one of the struts. A medication delivery tube is associated with the particular one of the struts and the incising element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/368,604 filed December 3, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/613,914 filed Sep. 13, 2012, which claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 61/534,018 filed Sep. 13, 2011, a bypass continuation-in-part of PCT Application No. PCT/US2015/035934 filed Jun. 16, 2015, which claims the benefits of United States Provisional Application No. 62/012,431 filed Jun. 16, 2014, and a bypass continuation-in-part of PCT Application No. PCT/US2015/033995 filed Jun. 3, 2015, which claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 62/007,039 filed Jun. 3, 2014, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if restated in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to intravascular catheters, such as can be used during minimally invasive surgical procedures. In particular, this invention relates to an intravascular catheter having an expandable incising portion.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic condition in which atheromatous plaque accumulates on the inner walls of a blood vessel. As a result, the blood vessel walls can become inflamed and, over time, may harden to form atherosclerotic lesions that cause a narrowing of the vessel lumen. In severe cases, the atherosclerotic lesions can rupture and induce the formation of thrombus (i.e., blood clots), which can prevent blood flow through the narrowed vessel lumen.

There are known procedures and devices for treating or otherwise reducing the risks associated with atherosclerosis. For example, an angioplasty is a procedure in which a balloon catheter is inserted into a narrowed region of the vessel lumen via a delivery catheter. The balloon catheter includes a flexible tube having an inflatable balloon at an end thereof. Once positioned in the narrowed region, the balloon is inflated in order to dilate the narrowed vessel lumen. The pressure in the balloon is generally sufficient to compress the accumulated plaque. However, in some cases it would be desirable to fragment the atherosclerotic lesions. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an intravascular catheter having an expandable portion that can be selectively controlled by a user and adapted to create incisions in atherosclerotic material to facilitate fragmentation of the material during an angioplasty procedure.

Embolism is a risk sometimes associated with many surgical procedures, such as angioplasty and the treatment of other peripheral artery diseases. A blood clot, air bubble, plaque fragment, or other embolism may be formed or be dislodged and travel through the patient's vascular system and cause damage. Embolic protection devices are sometimes placed in the patient's vascular system during surgical procedures in order to catch and remove emboli that may form or be dislodged. Use of such devices generally requires selection of the proper device, insertion and positioning of the device, performing the treatment, and removing said device. Proper design, inventory, and selection of embolic protection devices can be difficult as different treatment sites, procedures, and varying patient anatomy may require a healthcare provider to keep an inventory of many different devices to provide proper protection in the various conditions that may be encountered. Further, placement of these devices can be time consuming and expensive. Further still, the placed devices may be cumbersome and difficult to work around.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an intravascular catheter device for use during a surgical procedure. The catheter device includes a catheter tube having an expandable portion with a plurality of struts each defining an outer surface. The expandable portion is operable between a closed position, wherein the expandable portion has a first diameter, and an opened position, wherein the expandable portion has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. An incising element is provided on the outer surface of at least one of the struts. The incising element has a sharpened edge that extends outwardly in a radial direction from the outer surface of the strut for creating an incision in atherosclerotic material located within a blood vessel when the expandable portion is in the opened position.

A medication delivery system may be integrated with the intravascular catheter device to deliver medication to the treatment site or other area of interest. The medication delivery system may facilitate the dispensing of medication at or near the area of interest which may aid in treatment. The medication delivery device may be a needle affixed to and extending along at least a portion of the catheter tube and one or more of the struts of the expandable portion. In other exemplary embodiments, the medication delivery device may be comprised of a drug coating provided on one or more of the incising elements. In other exemplary embodiments, the medication delivery system may be comprised of a medication delivery tube extending to the incising elements, which may be exposed to the outer surface of the incising elements such that drugs can be delivered at the location of the incising element. In still other exemplary embodiments, the medication delivery tubes may terminate at jets located on or near the incising elements. The medication delivery tubes may also be in communication with pumps which may force the medication through the jets and into the tissue surrounding the intravascular catheter device.

Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a catheter device that includes a handle assembly and a catheter tube having an expandable incising portion, in accordance with a first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the handle assembly taken along section line 2-2 shown in FIG. 1 when the catheter device is in a first operating mode.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the catheter tube taken along section line 3-3 shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the expandable incising portion disposed within a blood vessel.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional end view of the expandable incising portion taken along section line 4-4 shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the handle assembly taken along section line 2-2 shown in FIG. 1 when the catheter device is in a second operating mode.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the catheter tube taken along section line 3-3 shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the expandable incising portion in an opened position.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view of the expandable incising portion taken along section line 7-7 shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of a catheter tube having an expandable incising portion, in accordance with a second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the catheter tube shown in FIG. 8 illustrating the expandable incising portion in an opened position.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional end view of the expandable incising portion taken along section line 10-10 shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of a catheter tube having an expandable incising portion, in accordance with a third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the catheter tube shown in FIG. 11 illustrating the expandable incising portion in an opened position.

FIG. 13 is an end view of the catheter tube as shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of a catheter tube having an expandable incising portion, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the catheter tube shown in FIG. 14 illustrating the expandable incising portion in an opened position.

FIG. 16 is an end view of the catheter tube as shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the expandable portion similar to FIG. 3 further illustrating an exemplary medication delivery mechanism.

FIG. 18 is a side sectional view similar to FIG. 17 further illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the medication delivery mechanism.

FIG. 19 is a side sectional view similar to FIG. 17 further illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the medication delivery mechanism.

FIG. 20 is a side sectional view similar to FIG. 17 further illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the medication delivery mechanism.

FIG. 21 is a side sectional view similar to FIG. 17 further illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the medication delivery mechanism and indicating Detail A.

FIG. 22 is a detailed side sectional view of Detail A indicated in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a side sectional view of the expandable portion similar to FIG. 14 further illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the medication delivery mechanism.

FIG. 24 is a side sectional view of the device of FIG. 23 where the expandable portion is in an opened position.

FIG. 25 is a plan view similar to FIG. 1 further illustrating an exemplary medication delivery mechanism.

FIG. 26 is a side view similar to FIG. 12 further illustrating an exemplary medication delivery mechanism in a retracted position.

FIG. 27 is a side view of the device of FIG. 26 with the medication delivery mechanism in an extended position.

FIG. 28 is a side view similar to FIG. 15 further illustrating an exemplary medication delivery mechanism in a retracted position.

FIG. 29 is a side view of the device of FIG. 28 with the medication delivery mechanism in an extended position.

FIG. 30 is a front view of the device of FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a catheter device, indicated generally at 10, in accordance with this invention. The illustrated catheter device 10 is configured to treat or reduce the risks associated with atherosclerosis. In general, the catheter device 10 includes an expandable incising portion that can be inserted into a blood vessel and expanded to create incisions in atherosclerotic material that has accumulated on inner walls of the blood vessel. The incisions facilitate the fragmentation of the atherosclerotic material during a subsequent angioplasty or atherectomy procedure. Although the catheter device 10 will be described and illustrated in the context of treating atherosclerosis, it should be appreciated that the catheter device 10 can be used in any desired environment and for any desired purpose.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated catheter device 10 includes a handle assembly, indicated generally at 20. The illustrated handle assembly 20 includes an elongated, cylindrical handle body 21. The handle body 21 may alternatively have any other shape that is suitable for easy handling by a surgeon. Further, the handle body 21 can be made from any suitably rigid material including, but not limited to, stainless steel or polymers.

As shown in FIG. 2, the illustrated handle body 21 defines an internal chamber 22. A passage 23 extends into an end portion of the handle body 21 for communication with the internal chamber 22. The handle body 21 further includes a slot 24 that extends through a side wall thereof for communication with the internal chamber 22. The illustrated slot 24 may have any length or width as desired. As shown in FIG. 1, an indicator 24A may be provided on the handle body 21 adjacent to the slot 24. For example, the indicator 24A can be a visual scale or any other indicating means, the purpose of which will be explained below.

The illustrated handle assembly 20 also includes a control member 25 that is supported on the handle body 21 for sliding movement within the slot 24. For example, the control member 25 is movable between a forward position (shown in FIG. 2), a rearward position (shown in FIG. 5), or any position therebetween, which will be further explained below. As shown in FIG. 2, the illustrated control member 25 includes a base portion 26 that is disposed within the internal chamber 22 of the handle body 21. The base portion 26 may define an outer cross-sectional shape that generally corresponds with a cross-sectional shape of the internal chamber 22, although such is not required. Alternatively, (or in addition), the control member 25 may be movably supported on the handle body 21 by a bearing, a bushing, a guide rail, or any other structural means. In other embodiments, the control member 25 may be supported for rotational movement, pivotal movement, or any other type of movement relative to the handle body 21, the purpose of which will become apparent below. The visual indicator 24A, described above, is configured to identify the relative position of the control member 25 with respect to the handle body 21.

The illustrated handle assembly 20 also includes a locking mechanism 27 that is configured to temporarily secure the control member 25 in a desired position, although such is not required. As shown in FIG. 2, the illustrated locking mechanism 27 includes a plurality of protrusions that are spaced apart from one another along an inner surface of the slot 24. The control member 25 frictionally engages the protrusions to hold the control member 25 in the desired position. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 27 may be a threaded fastener, a pivotal latch, a push-button release, or any other mechanism that is configured to secure the control member 25 in a desired position.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, the illustrated catheter device 10 also includes a catheter tube 30 that extends from the handle assembly 20. The catheter tube 30 is an elongated, flexible member having a proximal end that is secured to the handle assembly 20 and a distal end that extends therefrom. The catheter tube 30 can be made from any biocompatible material including, but not limited to, polyvinyl, polyethylene, nitinol, or stainless steel. Further, the catheter tube 30 can have any outer diameter, length, or wall thickness.

As shown in FIG. 2, the proximal end of the catheter tube 30 is secured to the handle body 21 and communicates with the internal cavity 22 through the passage 23. The catheter tube 30 may be secured to the handle body 21 using a flanged connection, a fused connection, an adhesive, a press-fit connection, a threaded connection, or any other securing means. Alternatively, the catheter tube 30 may be secured to the handle body 21 using a connector or any other type of attachment device.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, an expandable portion 32 is provided on the distal end of the catheter tube 30. The illustrated expandable portion 32 is a cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis. The expandable portion 32 can be made from a generally resilient material that is able to flex between various positions, such as polyvinyl, polyethylene, nitinol, or stainless steel. The expandable portion 32 can be secured to the catheter tube 30 in any manner including, but not limited to, a fused connection, an adhesive, a press-fit connection, a threaded connection, or any other securing means. Alternatively, the expandable portion 32 can be integrally formed from the catheter tube 30. Further, the expandable portion 32 can have any outer diameter, length, or wall thickness.

The illustrated expandable portion 32 has a pair of struts 34A and 34B. The illustrated struts 34A and 34B are separated by a pair of longitudinally extending slits 35A and 35B that extend through side walls of the expandable portion 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the slits 35A and 35B are equally spaced apart from one another around the circumference of the expandable portion 32 such that the struts 34A and 34B have the same circumferential widths, although such is not required. The struts 34A and 34B may have any length, circumferential width, or cross-sectional shape as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the illustrated expandable portion 32 also includes a pair of incising elements 36 that are respectively provided along outer surfaces of the struts 34A and 34B. The incising elements 36 can be atherotomes or other incising members having arcuate shaped sharpened edges, for example, that are configured to create incisions in atherosclerotic material as will be explained below. The illustrated incising elements 36 extend parallel with the longitudinal axis of the expandable portion 32 and outwardly in a radial direction therefrom. The incising elements 36 are equally spaced apart from one another around the circumference of the expandable portion 32. The expandable portion 32 may, however, have any number or configuration of incising elements 36 provided around the circumference thereof. Further, the incising elements 36 can have any cross-sectional shape, longitudinal length, or height and can be made from any suitable material including, but not limited to, tempered steel, stainless steel, high carbon steel, or ceramics. The incising elements 36 can be molded with the struts 34A and 34B or may otherwise be secured thereto in any manner such as, for example, using a welded or soldered connection, an adhesive, or any other fastening means.

The distal end of the expandable portion 32 may optionally include a tip member 38. The illustrated tip member 38 has a generally conical shape that facilitates insertion of the catheter tube 30 within a blood vessel 50 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) and subsequent travel therethrough. The tip member 38 may, however, have any desired shape. An aperture may axially extend through the tip member 38, the purpose of which will be explained below. The tip member 38 can be integrally formed with the expandable portion 32 or may be secured thereto, such as with an adhesive or the like. Further, the tip member 38 can be made from any biocompatible material including, but not limited to, polyvinyl, polyethylene, nitinol, stainless steel, or polyether block amide.

As shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the illustrated catheter device 10 also includes an inner sleeve 40, although such is not required. The inner sleeve 40 is a flexible, tubular member that is supported for sliding movement within the catheter tube 30, the purpose of which will be explained below. The inner sleeve 40 can be made from any biocompatible material including, but not limited to, polyvinyl, polyethylene, nitinol, stainless steel, or a woven material. Further, the inner sleeve 40 can have any outer diameter, length, or wall thickness. The inner sleeve 40 need not be a tubular member but may alternatively be a solid wire, a braided wire, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, a proximal end of the inner sleeve 40 extends from the catheter tube 30 and into the internal chamber 22 of the handle body 21. The proximal end of the inner sleeve 40 is secured to the base portion 26 of the control member 25 for sliding movement therewith, the purpose of which will be explained below. The inner sleeve 40 can be secured to the base portion 26 by a flanged connection, a fused connection, an adhesive, a threaded connection, or any other securing means.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inner sleeve 40 extends through an entire length of the catheter tube 30. A distal end of the inner sleeve 40 that is opposite the handle assembly 20 is secured to the tip member 38, which is in turn secured to the expandable portion 32. The inner sleeve 40 may be secured to the tip member 38 in any manner including, but not limited to, a fused connection, an adhesive, a fastener, or the like.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated catheter device 10 also includes a protective sheath 42 that is supported for sliding movement along an outer surface of the catheter tube 30, although such is not required. The protective sheath 42 can be made from any biocompatible material including, but not limited to, polyvinyl, polyethylene, nitinol, or stainless steel. Further, the protective sheath 42 can have any outer diameter, length, or wall thickness. The purpose of the protective sheath 42 will be explained below.

The illustrated protective sheath 42 includes a flange 44 that facilitates sliding movement of the protective sheath 42 relative to the catheter tube 30. The illustrated flange 44 is an annular member that is located at an end of the protective sheath 42 nearest the handle assembly 20. The flange 44 can be integrally formed with the protective sheath 42 or may otherwise be secured thereto in any manner, such as with an adhesive or the like. It should be appreciated that the flange 44 can have any shape or may alternatively be configured in any manner to accomplish the functions described herein and below.

The operation of the catheter device 10 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 7. Referring initially to FIGS. 1 through 4, the catheter device 10 is illustrated in a first operating mode. In the first operating mode, the control member 25 on the handle assembly 20 is located in the forward position relative to the handle body 21. The inner sleeve 40 fully extends into the catheter tube 30 such that the expandable portion 32 is in a closed position, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In the closed position, the struts 34A and 34B are generally parallel with one another and with the inner sleeve 40. The slits 35A and 35B (illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 3) remain in a generally closed configuration. As such, the expandable portion 32 defines an initial diameter D1, which is generally the same diameter as the remaining length of the catheter tube 30. The initial diameter D1 of the expandable portion 32 may, however, be any desired dimension.

When the catheter device 10 is in the first operating mode, the distal end of the catheter tube 30 can be percutaneously inserted into a blood vessel 50, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The illustrated catheter tube 30 is then advanced through the blood vessel 50 along a guide wire 52, which extends through the catheter device 10. For example, the guide wire 52 may fully extend through the inner sleeve 40, into the internal chamber 22 of the handle body 21, and exit a rear end of the handle assembly 20 (see FIG. 2). The catheter tube 30 is advanced along the guide wire 52 until the expandable portion 32 is positioned in a narrowed region of the blood vessel 50 caused by atherosclerotic material 54. Alternatively, the catheter tube 30 can be inserted into the blood vessel 50 and guided therethrough by a delivery catheter (not shown) or any other suitable procedure. During insertion and advancement of the catheter tube 30 through the blood vessel 50, the optional protective sheath 42 is preferably positioned over the expandable portion 32, thereby preventing the incising elements 36 from coming into contact with inner walls of the blood vessel 50.

Once the expandable portion 32 is positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel 50, the incising elements 36 can be exposed by sliding the protective sheath 42 back from the distal end of the catheter tube 30, as indicated by the direction arrows in FIG. 3. The illustrated protective sheath 42 can be moved in this manner by pulling the flange 44 towards the handle assembly 20, which is indicated by the direction arrows in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 7, the catheter device 10 is illustrated in a second operating mode. To achieve the second operating mode, the control member 25 is moved from the forward position to the rearward position, as indicated by the direction arrow in FIG. 5. As the control member 25 is moved to the rearward position, the inner sleeve 40 is drawn within the catheter tube 30 thereby reducing the relative length of the inner sleeve 40 with respect to the catheter tube 30. The distal end of the inner sleeve 40 is attached to the tip member 38, as described above, causing the expandable portion 32 to become axially compressed between the tip member 38 and the distal end of the catheter tube 30. As a result, the struts 34A and 34B bow or expand outwardly in a generally arcuate fashion thereby defining an opened position. In the opened position, the expandable portion 32 defines a second diameter D2 that is larger than the initial diameter D1 when the expandable portion 32 is in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 6, the incising elements 36 are respectively positioned along the radially outer most surfaces of the struts 34A and 34B. Further, the outer most surfaces of the struts 34A and 34B may define a generally flat portion along a length thereof in the opened position, the purpose of which will be explained below, although such is not required. It should be appreciated that the struts 34A and 34B can have any lengths such that the expandable portion 32 can achieve a desired overall second diameter D2 in the opened position.

During operation of the catheter device 10, the second diameter D2 can be increased or decreased by selective movement of the control member 25 between the forward and rearward positions. For example, a larger second diameter D2 can be achieved by moving the control member 25 further towards the rearward position. Conversely, a smaller second diameter D2 can be achieved by moving the control member 25 further towards the forward position. The visual indicator 24A can be used to identify the instantaneous second diameter D2 of the expandable portion 32. Alternatively (or in addition), the struts 34A and 34B may be biased in the opened position so as to automatically expand outwardly to the second diameter D2 when the protective sheath 42 is slid back from the expandable portion 32. As such, sliding movement of the protective sheath 42 relative to the struts 34A and 34B can be used to selectively control the second diameter D2. In this configuration, the inner sleeve 40 and the movable components of the handle assembly 20 may not be necessary.

When the catheter device 10 is in the second operating mode, the expandable portion 32 can be pulled along the guide wire 52 through the narrowed region of the blood vessel 50. This can be accomplished by pulling on the handle assembly 20. In doing so, the incising elements 36 engage the atherosclerotic material 54 and create longitudinal incisions 56 therein. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer surface area of the arcuate shaped struts 34A and 34B, which is adjacent to the incising element 36, is configured to ride along a surface of the atherosclerotic material 54, thereby limiting the depth of the incisions 56 and preventing the incising members 36 from cutting the walls of the blood vessel 50. The expandable portion 32 can be moved any distance along the guide wire 52 to create incisions 56 having any desired length. After the incisions 56 are made in the atherosclerotic material 54, the catheter device 10 can be returned to the first operating mode (shown in FIGS. 1 through 4) by moving the control member 25 to the forward position. In doing so, the expandable portion 32 returns to the closed position. The protective sheath 42 can be slid over the expandable portion 32 and the catheter tube 30 may be removed from the blood vessel 50.

Alternatively, the catheter device 10 can be used to create additional incisions 56 in the atherosclerotic material 54. For example, after the catheter device 10 has been returned to the first operating mode, the expandable portion 32 can be relocated within the narrowed region of the blood vessel 50. The catheter tube 30 can then be rotated within the blood vessel 50 by rotating the handle assembly 20 so as to align the incising elements 36 with other portions of the atherosclerotic material 54. The previous steps can then be repeated any number of times to make multiple passes through the narrowed region of the blood vessel 50 and create additional incisions in the atherosclerotic material 54.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the illustrated catheter device 10 is advantageous in many respects. In one example, the second diameter D2 of the expandable portion 32 can be selectively controlled by operation of the handle assembly 20 or by sliding movement of the protective sheath 42. This enables the catheter device 10 to be adapted for use in blood vessels 50 of different sizes or varying diameters. In another example, the illustrated catheter device 10 can apply varying magnitudes of radial forces to the atherosclerotic material 54 by controlling the amount of force being applied to the control member 25 on the handle assembly 20. This enables the catheter device 10 to generate sufficient radial force to create incisions 56 in atherosclerotic material 54 while reducing the potential for tearing the walls of the blood vessel 50. In yet another example, the catheter device 10 can be used to make any number of passes during a single procedure to make multiple incisions 56 in atherosclerotic material 54 of varying lengths and shapes.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 through 10, there is illustrated a catheter tube 130 having an expandable portion 132, in accordance with a second embodiment of this invention. The catheter tube 130 and the expandable portion 132 may include any structural features as described and illustrated above in the previous embodiment, although such is not required. Similar features have been numbered with common reference numerals but have been increased by 100 (i.e., 110, 120, 130, etc.). It should be appreciated that similar features are structured similarly, operate similarly, and/or have the same function unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification.

For example, the catheter tube 130 may extend from a handle assembly (not shown) as described above in the first embodiment. The expandable portion 132 is provided on a distal end of the catheter tube 130 and may include a tip member 138. The catheter tube 130 may also include an inner sleeve 140 and a protective sheath (not shown), which is also described above in the first embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, however, the expandable portion 132 includes four struts 134A, 1348, 134C, and 134D that are respectively separated by four longitudinally extending slits 135A, 135B, 135C, and 135D. The illustrated struts 134A, 134B, 134C, and 134D each include an incising element 136, although such is not required. It should be appreciated that the expandable portion 132 may have any number or configuration of struts and incising elements as desired.

As shown in FIG. 8, the illustrated expandable portion 132 further includes recessed portions 160 that respectively extend into the outer surfaces of the struts 134A, 134B, 134C, and 134D. For example, the struts 134A, 134B, 134C, and 134D can be slightly bowed inwardly toward the inner sleeve 140 when in the closed position or, alternatively, may have a reduced thickness along a central portion thereof to create the recessed portions 160. The illustrated incising elements 136 are respectively disposed within the recessed portions 160. Thus, when the catheter tube 130 is inserted into a blood vessel, as described above, the recessed portions 160 help to prevent the incising elements 136 from coming into contact with inner walls of the blood vessel. On the other hand, when the expandable portion 132 is expanded to an opened position, as explained below, the incising elements 136 become exposed from the recessed portions 160. It should be appreciated that the recessed portions 160 can eliminate or reduce the need for the protective sheath (not shown). The guide wire 152 may extend through the entire device.

The expandable portion 132 can be operated between a closed position (shown in FIG. 8) and an opened position (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) by selective movement of the inner sleeve 140 relative to the catheter tube 130, as described above in the first embodiment. Alternatively (or in addition), the struts 134A, 1348, 134C, and 134D can be biased in the opened position. In such an embodiment, the protective sheath (not shown) can be used to effect movement of the expandable portion 132 between the closed position and the opened position.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 through 13, there is illustrated a catheter tube 230 having an expandable portion 232, in accordance with a third embodiment of this invention. The catheter tube 230 and the expandable portion 232 may include any structural features as described and illustrated above in the previous embodiments, although such is not required. Similar features have been numbered with common reference numerals but have been increased by 200 (i.e., 210, 220, 230, etc.). It should be appreciated that similar features are structured similarly, operate similarly, and/or have the same function unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification.

For example, the catheter tube 230 may extend from a handle assembly (not shown) as described above in the first embodiment. The expandable portion 232 is provided on a distal end of the catheter tube 230 and includes a pair of struts 234A and 234B that are separated by a pair of longitudinally extending slits 235A and 235B. The catheter tube 230 may also include a tip member 238, an inner sleeve 240, and a protective sheath (not shown), which is described above in the first embodiment. The guide wire 252 may extend through the entire device.

In the illustrated embodiment, however, the expandable portion 232 includes a first pair of weakened regions 237A, 237B and a second pair of weakened regions 239A, 239B that are respectively located at opposite ends of the struts 234A and 234B. The illustrated weakened regions 237A, 237B and 239A, 239B are formed by enlarged apertures that extend through side walls of the expandable portion 232 that function as hinges. The weakened regions 237A, 237B and 239A, 239B may help reduce the amount of bending stress in the side walls of the expandable portion 232 when the struts 234A and 234B are moved to an opened position. The struts 234A and 234B may include any number or configuration of weakened regions. Further, it should be appreciated that any of the other embodiments in this disclosure may also include weakened regions 237A, 237B and 239A, 239B.

The illustrated struts 234A and 234B remain generally flat along respective lengths thereof in both a closed position (shown in FIG. 11) and an opened position (shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) so as to form an apex, although such a configuration is not required. The incising elements 236 are provided along the generally flat portion of the respective struts 234A and 234B. As such, the incising elements 236 may also function as stiffening members for increasing the strength of the struts 234A and 234B. Further, this configuration can reduce the amount of stress in the connection between the incising elements 236 and the struts 234A and 234B, which may otherwise be caused by bowing of the struts 234A and 234B.

As shown in FIG. 12, end portions of the incising elements 236 may extend beyond the apex that is formed by each of the respective struts 234A and 234B. This configuration can increase the effective height of the incising elements 236 when the expandable portion 232 is in the opened position. As such, the incising elements 236 may have a reduced height when the expandable portion 232 is in the closed position, which may eliminate the need for the protective sheath (not shown).

The expandable portion 232 can be operated between the closed position and the opened position by selective movement of the inner sleeve 240 relative to the catheter tube 230, as described above in the first embodiment. Alternatively (or in addition), the struts 234A and 234B can be biased in the opened position. In such an embodiment, the protective sheath (not shown) can be used to effect movement of the expandable portion 232 between the closed position and the opened position.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 through 16, there is illustrated a catheter tube 330 having an expandable portion 332, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of this invention. The catheter tube 330 and the expandable portion 332 may include any structural features as described and illustrated above in the previous embodiments, although such is not required. Similar features have been numbered with common reference numerals but have been increased by 300 (i.e., 310, 320, 330, etc.). It should be appreciated that similar features are structured similarly, operate similarly, and/or have the same function unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification.

For example, the catheter tube 330 may extend from a handle assembly (not shown) as described above in the first embodiment. The expandable portion 332 is provided on a distal end of the catheter tube 330 and may include a tip member 338. The catheter tube 330 may also include an inner sleeve 340 that is attached to the tip member 338 and a protective sheath (not shown), which is also described above in the first embodiment. The guide wire 352 may extend through the entire device.

In the illustrated embodiment, however, the expandable portion 332 includes a pair of struts 334A and 334B that are supported thereon in a cantilevered manner (i.e., not attached to one another or to the tip member 338 at their distal ends), the purpose of which will be explained below. The struts 334A and 334B are separated by a pair of longitudinally extending slits 335A and 335B that extend from the end of the expandable portion 332. A pair of incising elements 336 is respectively provided along outer surfaces of the struts 334A and 334B. It should be appreciated, however, that the expandable portion 332 may have any number or configuration of struts and incising elements as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the illustrated struts 334A and 334B are supported on the expandable portion 332 so that they can be splayed open in a Y-shaped configuration. For example, the struts 334A and 334B can be splayed open by drawing the inner sleeve 340 within the catheter tube 330, as described above in the first embodiment. In doing so, the tip member 338 slides along the inner surfaces of the struts 334A and 334B and pivots them outwardly. Alternatively (or in addition), the struts 334A and 334B can be biased in the splayed open position. In such an embodiment, the protective sheath (not shown) can be used to effect movement of the expandable portion 332 between a closed position and the splayed open position.

The struts 334A and 334B remain generally flat along their respective lengths in both a closed position (shown in FIG. 14) and the splayed open position, although such is not required. As such, the incising elements 336 may also function as stiffening members for increasing the strength of the struts 334A and 334B. Further, this configuration can reduce the amount of stress in the connection between the incising elements 336 and the struts 334A and 334B, which may otherwise be caused by bowing of the struts 334A and 334B.

As shown in FIG. 15, end portions of the incising elements 336 may extend beyond the distal ends of the respective struts 334A and 334B. This configuration can increase the effective height of the incising elements 336 when the expandable portion 332 is in the splayed open position. As such, the incising elements 336 may have a reduced height when the expandable portion 332 is in the closed position, which may eliminate the need for the protective sheath (not shown).

FIG. 17 is a detailed cross-sectional side view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of this invention, wherein a medication delivery mechanism is provided on the expandable portion 32 that is configured to deliver a medication, drug, or other substance to a base of one or more of the incising elements 36. Specifically, the catheter device 10 may comprise a medication delivery tube 400 having a first end that is located on or near the handle assembly 20 and a second end that is located adjacent to the base of the one or more of the incising elements 36. The medication delivery tube 400 may permit the user of the catheter device 10 to supply a medicine, drug, or other substance to the base of one or more of the incising elements 36 before, during, or after use of said incising elements 36. The substance can travel, by capillary action or otherwise, from the base of the incising element 36 to an adjacent portion of the blood vessel 50 or other desired area of interest.

FIG. 18 is a detailed cross-sectional side view similar to FIG. 17 illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the medication delivery mechanism configured to deliver a substance the surface of one or more of the incising elements 36. Specifically, the incising element 36 may further comprise an internal passageway 36A that extends from the drug delivery tube 401 though the incising element 36 to a surface thereof. The medicine, drug, or other substance may travel through both the medication delivery tube 401 and the passageway 36A to an adjacent portion of the blood vessel 50 or other desired area of interest.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view similar to FIG. 17 illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the medication delivery mechanism, which comprises a medication delivery tube 402 that may have a first end that is located on or near the handle assembly 20 and a second end that is located adjacent to the side of one or more of the incising elements 36. After traveling through the medication delivery tube, the drug, medicine, or other substance may travel, by capillary action or otherwise, through the incising element 36 to the surface thereof, and to an adjacent portion of the blood vessel 50 or other desired area of interest.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view similar to FIG. 17 illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the medication delivery mechanism, which comprises a coating 403 of medicine provided on one or more of the incising elements 36. The coating 403 may permit the user of the catheter device 10 to supply a substance directly to the surface of one or more of the incising elements 36. The coating 403 may be transferred by physical contact or dilution to an adjacent portion of the blood vessel 50 or other desired area of interest.

The coating 403 may be used in conjunction with a protective sheath 42. The protective sheath 42 may cover at least the portion of the device comprising the coating 403 prior to the device being located at the area of interest, thereby preventing inadvertently removal of the coating 403 by contact with the blood vessel 50 wall at an unintended area. Further, said protective sheath 42 may form a watertight seal in order to prevent the coating 403 from being exposed to blood vessel fluids before being located at the area of interest, thereby preventing accidental activation, dilution, or loss of the coating 403.

FIGS. 21-25 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein the medication delivery mechanism comprises a jet 404, preferably placed at a distal end of the medication delivery tube 400. The jet 404 may be located on one or more of the struts 34A and 34B, including on one or more of the incising elements 36, and may be located at any position along the struts 34A and 34B or the incising elements 36. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the jet 404 may be positioned such that the top of the jet 404 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the struts 34A or 34B or the incising elements 36. In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the jet 404 may protrude from the outer surface of the struts 34A or 34B or the incising elements 36. The medication delivery tube 400 may be in communication with a pump 408, which may be located remote from the jets 404 though any location is contemplated. The jets 404 may be connected to the pump 408 via the medication delivery tube 400 and the internal passageway 36A.

For example, without limitation, the pump 408 may be placed on the floor of an operating room or on a table and the medication delivery tubes 400 may extend from the pump 408, though the handle assembly 20, the catheter tube 30, to the jets 404. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a control mechanism 412 may be configured to control operation of the pump 408 and introduction of the substance to be delivered.

Once the catheter device 10 is positioned at the area of interest, the substance may be added to the medication delivery tube 400, such as but not limited to, through a port by use of a syringe. In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the substance may already be in the medication delivery tube 400, a reservoir 406, and/or the jets 404. The reservoir 406 may be of any size or shape and may be located anywhere within the catheter device 10. Additionally, the reservoir 406 may comprise a valve that permits the substance to exit the reservoir 406 at the appropriate time, such as but not limited to, when the pump 408 is activated.

Regardless, upon activation of the pump 408, a fluid, such as but not limited to air, may be forced through the medication delivery tube 400 such that the substance is mixed with the fluid and ejected from the jets 404. The pressure and volume of the pump 408 may be adjusted to project the substance emitted from the jet 404 into the wall of the blood vessel 50 or other area of interest at various depths. For example, without limitation, the pressure and volume of the pump 408 may be adjusted such that the substance emitted from the jet 404 enters a specified depth into the wall of the blood vessel 50. In another example, again without limitation, the pressure and volume of the pump 408 may be adjusted such that the substance emitted from the jet 404 penetrates beyond the wall of the blood vessel 50 a specified depth into the surrounding tissue.

In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a number of jets 404 may be located along the struts 34A and 34B, 134A, 134B, 234A, 234B, 334A, and 334B. The jets 404 may be of any size and shape. The pump 408 and the jets 404 may be configured to eject the substance with sufficient force so as to eject at least a portion of the substance into the tissue surrounding the area of interest. The force of the pump 408 may be adjusted to inject the substance a particular depth into the surrounding tissue.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the jet 404 is positioned such that the substance emitted therefrom is ejected at substantially a 90-degree angle relative to the outer surface of the strut 34A or 34B where the jet 404 is located. In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the jet 404 itself or a portion thereof may be positioned or may be adjusted such that the substance emitted therefrom may be ejected from the jet 404 at any angle relative to the outer surface of the strut 34A or 34B where the jet 404 is located.

FIGS. 26-30 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein the medication delivery mechanism comprises one or more needles 410. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a pair of needles 410 are utilized, though any number is contemplated. Once the second end of the catheter 10 is disposed adjacent to the area of interest, the expandable portion 232 is then moved from the closed position to the opened position. As discussed above, while in the opened position, the struts 234A and 234B are positioned radially outward from one another and are angled outwardly away from the inner sleeve 240. Thus, the struts 234A and 234B may present outwardly-extending ramped surfaces adjacent to the leading ends of the needles 410.

More specifically, FIG. 26 illustrates the needles 410 in a retracted position whereby the needles 410 extend along the catheter tube 230 and not along the struts 234A and 234B. FIG. 27, on the other hand, illustrates the needles 410 in an extended position whereby the needles 410 extend along the struts 234A and 234B. When the needles 410 are moved between the retracted and the extended position, they may initially slide longitudinally along the catheter tube 230 until the leading ends thereof engage the outwardly-extending ramped surfaces of the extended struts 234A and 234B. At that point, the leading ends of the needles 410 may slide outwardly along outwardly-extending ramped surfaces of the extended struts 234A and 234B. The leading ends of the needles 410 may be moved outwardly past the ends of the extended struts 234A and 234B either adjacent to or into engagement with the deposit of an atherosclerotic material 51 within the blood vessel 50 or any other area of interest.

In this manner, the substance can be supplied from a source, such as the reservoir 406, through the needles 410 to the open ends thereof. If desired, the leading ends of the needles 410 may be moved outwardly past the ends of the extended struts 234A and 234B into engagement with the blood vessel 50 and the surrounding tissue so that the substance can be supplied either to a specific site inside of a blood vessel, within the blood vessel itself, to the surrounding tissue outside of the blood vessel, or another area of interest.

The medication delivery mechanisms illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 17-30 may be in communication with the control mechanism 412 located on the handle assembly 20. The control mechanism 412 may be configured to permit the user to selectively operate the various medication delivery mechanisms and/or control the introduction of the medicine, drug, or other substance to be delivered. This control mechanism 412 may include a signaling device, such as but not limited to a screen, gage, indicator, or the like that is configured to communicate the type and amount of substance delivered, or other such information.

It is notable that in exemplary embodiments of the present invention the needles 410 may instead be wires or other mechanical or electrical connectors configured to connect, manipulate, or operate other medication delivery mechanisms or tools for performing various medical procedures. It is also notable that the terms medication, drug, and substance are used interchangeably herein.

The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiments. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

Having shown and described a preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to affect the described invention and still be within the scope of the claimed invention. Additionally, many of the elements indicated above may be altered or replaced by different elements which will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An intravascular catheter device comprising: an expandable portion comprising a plurality of struts operable between a closed position, wherein the expandable portion has a first diameter, and an opened position, wherein the expandable portion has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter; an incising element provided on and extending from the outward facing surface of a particular one of the struts; and a medication delivery tube associated with the particular one of the struts and the incising element.
 2. The intravascular catheter device of claim 1 wherein: the incising element extends parallel with a longitudinal axis of the expandable portion when the expandable portion is in the closed position.
 3. The intravascular catheter device of claim 2 wherein: the incising element comprises a sharpened edge extending along an upper edge of the incising element.
 4. The intravascular catheter device of claim 1 wherein: the medication delivery tube terminates adjacent to the incising element.
 5. The intravascular catheter device of claim 4 wherein: the medication delivery tube terminates at a base of the incising element.
 6. The intravascular catheter device of claim 1 further comprising: an internal passageway extending from the medication delivery tube to an outer surface of the incising element.
 7. The intravascular catheter device of claim 1 further comprising: a jet positioned at the particular one of the struts and configured to aerosolize a substance passing through said jet; and an internal passageway extending from the medication delivery tube to the jet.
 8. The intravascular catheter device of claim 1 further comprising: a reservoir configured to accommodate a pharmaceutical agent, wherein said drug delivery tube is in fluid communication with said reservoir; and a pump in fluid communication with the drug delivery tube and configured to deliver a pharmaceutical agent through said drug delivery tube when said pump is operated.
 9. The intravascular catheter device of claim 1 wherein: the medication delivery tube extends through the particular one of the struts.
 10. The intravascular catheter device of claim 1 wherein: the medication delivery tube extends along the particular one of the struts.
 11. The intravascular catheter device of claim 1 further comprising: a handle assembly; and a flexible catheter tube extending from said handle assembly, wherein said expandable portion is secured to a distal portion of said catheter tube.
 12. The intravascular catheter device of claim 11 further comprising: a tip member positioned at a distal portion of said expandable portion; and an inner sleeve extending through said expandable portion and connected to said tip member, wherein said inner sleeve is configured for sliding movement such that retraction of said inner sleeve is configured to cause retraction of said tip member, wherein each of said struts are connected to the tip member at a first end thereof and the catheter tube at a second end thereof such that said struts are configured to bow outwardly when said tip member is retracted by way of said inner sleeve.
 13. The intravascular catheter device of claim 1 wherein: the incising element extends along a proximal portion of the particular one of the struts.
 14. A method for depositing pharmaceutical agents along a zone of attention within a vascular system, said method comprising the steps of: inserting an expandable portion comprising a plurality of struts operable between a closed position where the expandable portion has a first diameter and an opened position where the expandable portion has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter into the vascular system; navigating the expandable portion to a distal portion of the zone of attention; placing the expandable portion in the opened position such that an incising element provided on and extending from the outward facing surface of a particular one of the struts contacts atherosclerotic material located within the zone of attention; retracting the expandable portion along at least a portion of the zone of attention; and delivering a pharmaceutical agent though a medication delivery tube associated with the particular one of the struts to the incising element.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps of: delivering the pharmaceutical agent through at least a portion of the incising element by way of an internal passageway in fluid communication with the medication delivery tube.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of: aerosolizing the pharmaceutical agent by passing the pharmaceutical agent through a jet associated with the incising element and in fluid communication with the internal passageway.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein: said medication delivery tube extends through or along the particular one of the struts.
 18. The method of claim 14 wherein: the step of delivering a pharmaceutical agent though a medication delivery tube associated with the particular one of the struts to the incising element is performed while the expandable portion is being retracted along the portion of the zone of attention.
 19. The method of claim 14 wherein: the incising element extends parallel with a longitudinal axis of the expandable portion when the expandable portion is in the closed position.
 20. An intravascular catheter device comprising: a handle assembly; a flexible catheter tube extending from said handle assembly; an expandable portion secured to a distal portion of said catheter tube and comprising a plurality of struts operable between a closed position where the expandable portion has a first diameter, and an opened position where the expandable portion has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter; a tip member positioned at a distal end of said expandable portion, wherein each of said struts are connected to the tip member at a first end thereof and the catheter tube at a second end thereof; an inner sleeve extending through said expandable portion and connected to said tip member, wherein said inner sleeve is configured for sliding movement such that retraction of said inner sleeve is configured to cause retraction of said tip member and outward bowing of said struts; an incising element provided on, and extending from, the outward facing surface of a particular one of the struts, wherein the incising element extends parallel with a longitudinal axis of the expandable portion when the expandable portion is in the closed position; and a medication delivery tube associated with the particular one of the struts and configured to facilitate delivery of a pharmaceutical agent to the incising element. 